Since my original dipstick "broke" a few weeks ago, I finally got a chance to replace! went to local dealer and was confronted with 2 choices: I told him I have one with the ORANGE handle(and round stick). He checked his computer and came back with a similar one. Got it and tried to install, but it was about 3-4" too LONG; this new dip-stick was protruding from the hole. Went back to parts guy and explained(this time I took my orig. stick). So, he went to get the other choice: a RED handle(& flat-type stick w/ a twist at the end). It was about the same length as orig. but the top was different. Inserted in hole, but i'm not getting an accurate reading. The oil is only registering at the bottom of the stick. Even after I drive home(about 1-2 miles from dealer) and check it, the oil level in not in the correct range. NOTE: with the broken stick, it's right in the max. zone!
So, what gives?!?!?! Why is the ORANGE(& and round- like original) dipstick so long? Why is red one not recording the correct oil level??
Also: the car is a 1997 2.3L 854 T5. P.S-when I called to see if the dip-stick was in stock, I was asked for the last 6 digits of my VIN, "cause they were a few types for 850s". Anyone have any suggestions/answers? I'm thinking of glueing the original handle back to the stick, to have accurate readings!!!!! TIA,BD